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DomainPeople, Inc., the eighth official domain name registrar accredited by the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), urges people to preregister their first-choice .tel domain names as soon as possible.

"Once the landrush registration period opens, unregistered names will be available to anyone on a first-come, first served basis," said Chris Kruk, product manager at DomainPeople. "Given the high value of this new top-level domain for businesses and individuals, customers will want to get a jump on the competition for the best names."

By preregistering, a customer completes the application for the domain name before registration opens. As soon as the registration period opens, DomainPeople submits the preregistration applications, giving preregistrants a much better chance at being the first to request a particular domain name. Customers are not charged the registration fee until their names are successfully registered.

.Tel is a revolutionary new top-level domain that gives owners the power to control and distribute their contact information. Businesses can use it as an online listing, accessible from the popular search engines, to drive customers to their Web site or storefront. Individuals can use it to stay in touch with family, friends and online acquaintances.

.Tel is a new concept because it stores contact information directly in the domain name server, shortening response times and eliminating the need for a Web site.

Registration for trademark owners officially opened on December 3, 2008 and ends February 2, 2009. This sunrise period gives trademark owners first rights to register the exact name of their trademark, protecting their identity and brand from the competition. The landrush phase opens February 3, 2009 to the general public, but registrations carry a premium price as the domain names registered during this phase are likely to be highly valuable. General, ongoing registration for .tel begins March 24, 2009.

Related topics: Domain Names, ICANN, Top-Level Domains